https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/us-nuclear-regulatory-commission-launches-reorganisation
I have expressed my skepticism that nuclear will become a source of power for the grid earlier than the mid 2030s. The industry says that will be the time they are ready.
One reason for my skepticism is the need for multiple licenses and approvals from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Other sources have no such governing agency.
Here is a quote from the article which says the process will be improved to better serve the industry. It also gives the reader an indication of how much licensing, approvals, and inspections are involved.
“The agency said it will reorganise around the core business lines of new reactors, operating reactors, and nuclear materials and waste. Licensing and inspection functions will be integrated within each business line to create a single point of accountability and improve coordination between licensing and inspection teams from the onset of projects.”
I wonder how closely this approach compares to the regulatory approach used at Boeing as the developed the 737 Max which reportedly “stemmed from a combination of aggressive cost-cutting measures, leadership failures, and a shift in corporate culture that prioritized profits over safety”.
Two air disasters in 2018 and 2019. Let’s not go down that road with nuclear power, please.